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Atlantic City nonprofits and government agencies can apply starting Nov. 24 for a share of $3 million in new grants for job training, youth programs, neighborhood services and events that draw visitors.
CRDA launches RISE Atlantic City
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority announced the program, called RISE Atlantic City, on Oct. 27. RISE stands for Resources for Investment, Support & Empowerment. Awards are made on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until each category’s money runs out. Applicants should expect a review of at least six months.
CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler said officials spent several months meeting with small business owners, nonprofit leaders and residents, and that the feedback shaped every grant category. He said the program also includes accountability measures so funded projects produce results residents can see.
CRDA was created in 1984 after New Jersey casinos fell short on the investment commitments they made when gambling was legalized in Atlantic City. Casinos pay an investment alternative tax of 1.25% of gross gaming revenue, which has historically funded the authority’s projects. In recent years, though, much of that money has been redirected to help the city pay down its debt.
Tourism and job training lead funding
Tourism, arts and culture projects receive the largest share, at $1 million. Eligible activities include festivals and parades, performance series, public art, historic preservation or interpretation programs, and free community entertainment.
Workforce development receives $700,000 for job training and certification, career coaching, adult education, technology skills training and reentry programs. Financial literacy and green-jobs training also qualify. Programs without a defined credential or job-placement pathway are not funded.
Youth programs receive $600,000 for after-school and summer programs, mentoring, tutoring, arts, recreation, mental health and wellness, and civic engagement for children from early childhood through age 18. Youth grants cannot pay salaries or benefits.
Community resilience receives $700,000 for food distribution, homelessness services, mental health and wellness, and other community support services. Applicants must show a documented need in Atlantic City and cannot duplicate an existing county, state or nonprofit program without showing added value.
Who qualifies for a RISE grant
Registered nonprofits and government entities can apply if their projects primarily benefit Atlantic City. For-profit businesses qualify only under tourism, arts and culture, and only for free entertainment open to the public. Applicants choose one category per project.
Organizations that received CRDA funding in the past 12 months are ineligible, and each organization can receive only one RISE award in 12 months.
Grants cannot cover capital construction or physical improvements, operating costs unrelated to the funded program, alcohol, cash stipends or awards, religious worship, or political campaigns or advocacy. Costs incurred before a grant agreement is signed are also ineligible.
Applicants must submit a federal tax ID, a project budget, a marketing plan and a Business Tax Clearance Certificate. Nonprofits applying as 501(c)(3) organizations must also provide their IRS determination letter.
Grantees pay first, then get reimbursed
RISE does not advance money. Grantees pay eligible expenses, then submit documentation for reimbursement, so organizations need enough cash to start their projects.
Matching requirements depend on the amount requested:
- Grants up to $29,999 require no match.
- Requests of $30,000 to $99,999 require a 25% match.
- Requests of $100,000 or more require a 50% match.
CRDA reviews each application individually, and its board must approve every award before it becomes final. Applying early is encouraged, but it does not guarantee funding.
Grantees must submit a midterm update and, within 60 days of completing their programs, a closeout report. Missing a required report deadline could make an organization ineligible for CRDA funding for five years.
Webinar Nov. 10, applications Nov. 24
CRDA will host a virtual information session at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10, covering the grant categories, eligibility, how awards are made and what the application requires. Registration is available on the CRDA’s program page.
Applications go live Nov. 24. There is no closing date, but a category stops making awards once its funds are exhausted.
CRDA Board Chair Modia Butler called the program a beginning. “This is a first step, not a finish line,” she said, adding that the board plans to keep building on the effort.
